Swimming - Australia expect Olympic gold rush

By Julian Linden

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia are hoping for a record medal haul from their swim team at this year's Beijing Olympics after picking a 42-member squad overflowing with talent.

Australia's best result in swimming was at the 2000 Sydney Olympics when they collected 18 medals but officials believe they could eclipse that mark in China after breaking eight world records at this week's trials.

"Congratulations to the swimmers on their tremendous standard and depth," Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates told a news conference on Saturday.

"Swimming no doubt will be our strongest section and will deliver for us at the Games."

The powerful squad is made up of 22 women and 20 men and includes a mixture of seasoned campaigners and newcomers who have just burst on to the scene.

Grant Hackett, Adam Pine, Ashley Callus and Leisel Jones will be appearing at their third Olympics, while 12 will be competing at their second and the other 26 at their first.

Pine, aged 32 and a father of two children, is the oldest member while 15-year-old Brisbane schoolgirls Emily Seebohm and Cate Campbell are the youngest.

The team contains six swimmers who hold world records in individual Olympic events - Eamon Sullivan (50 freestyle), Hackett (1500 freestyle), Libby Trickett (50 and 100 freestyle), Jones (100 and 200 breaststroke), Jessicah Schipper (200 butterfly) and Stephanie Rice (200 and 400 individual medley).